Top 5 day trips from Cairns with car hire

Cairns is one of those places where you're never far from something amazing. Whether it's a beach, a waterfall, a rainforest walk or a scenic drive, there's always somewhere to explore. But to really get out and see what Far North Queensland has to offer, you’ll need more than just a pair of walking shoes. That’s where car hire in Cairns makes all the difference.

When you’ve got your own wheels, you’re free to head off whenever you like, take the scenic route, stop along the way, and avoid the crowds. You’re not stuck waiting on a bus or relying on fixed tour schedules. And there’s nothing better than finishing up at a quiet beach or waterfall with no one else around.

Here are five easy day trips you can do with car hire Cairns

Each one is packed with natural beauty, fun stops, and great spots to eat or take a dip.

1. Palm Cove

Just 30 minutes north of Cairns, Palm Cove is a relaxed beach town that feels like a little slice of paradise. It’s an easy and scenic drive, exactly the kind of place that’s perfect for a day out with car hire in Cairns.

Once you’re there, stroll along the esplanade, grab a coffee, or book a spa session. The beach is calm and patrolled, which makes it perfect for families. There are great spots for lunch, and the views across to Double Island are stunning.

This one’s super popular with locals too, and it’s much easier to visit with your own transport rather than relying on tour pickups or bus schedules.

2. Josephine Falls

If you’ve got car hire from Cairns, you can head about 75 minutes south to Josephine Falls. It’s one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the region, and the drive there is lovely, passing through sugar cane fields and small country towns.

Josephine Falls is located in Wooroonooran National Park. There’s a short walk from the car park to the falls, and it’s worth every step. The lower pool is great for swimming, and there’s even a natural rock slide (just make sure to be careful and follow signs).

You won’t find public transport going here, so this is a great example of why car hire Cairns gives you the freedom to go off the beaten track.

3. Atherton Tablelands

This is one of the best all-day adventures you can have with car hire in Cairns. The Tablelands are up in the hills, and the drive is full of windy roads, lush views, and plenty of places to stop. It’s about 1.5 to 2 hours depending on where you go first.

Highlights include:

• Millaa Millaa Falls, one of the most photographed waterfalls in Australia

• Curtain Fig Tree, a massive strangler fig tree with a walking track

• Lake Eacham, a volcanic crater lake perfect for a swim

• Yungaburra, a small town with markets and great cafes

The Tablelands are cool, green, and peaceful, a big contrast to the coast. This trip really shows how diverse the region is, and why car hire Cairns is so handy for covering more ground in one day.

4. Port Douglas

Driving north to Port Douglas is worth it just for the road itself. The Captain Cook Highway runs right along the coast, with incredible ocean views and lots of pull-over spots for photos. With car hire Cairns, you can do this at your own pace, not crammed into a tour bus.

Port Douglas has a nice mix of things to do: cafes, boutique shops, markets (on Sundays), and the beautiful Four Mile Beach. You can also stop at Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures or go for a detour through Mossman Gorge on the way.

The drive takes about an hour and 15 minutes, but most people stretch it out longer just to enjoy the view.

5. Babinda Boulders and Devil’s Pools

Another great southern trip with car hire Cairns is Babinda Boulders, about an hour south of the city. It’s a quiet spot with a lush rainforest walk and crystal-clear swimming areas. The main pool is safe for swimming, while the Devil’s Pools section further along is strictly for viewing due to strong currents (and has a bit of spooky local legend attached to it too).

It’s a peaceful place for a picnic, swim, or just to relax and enjoy the rainforest. Having your own vehicle makes it easy to get there and take your time. It’s also easy to pair with Josephine Falls for a full day of waterfalls and nature.

Why car hire Cairns makes these trips easier

These five places are just a few of the many gems you can visit from Cairns. But what they all have in common is that they’re easier to reach with your own vehicle. Car hire in Cairns gives you freedom, to stop at viewpoints, leave when you're ready, and visit places that tours don’t include.

When you’re planning your trip, consider renting from a local provider with experience in the region. 1300 Meteor Rentals has been helping people explore Queensland for over 35 years, with a wide range of vehicles suited for all kinds of trips, from small cars to 4WDs and even moving trucks if you’re relocating.

Their Cairns location is easy to access, with good rates and a fleet of clean, newer model vehicles that are ready to go.

Make the most of your trip

Far North Queensland has so much to offer, and a big part of enjoying it properly is being able to go at your own pace. With car hire Cairns, you’re not locked into anyone else’s schedule. You can swim at a hidden beach, grab lunch at a local market, or just drive with the windows down enjoying the scenery.

If you’re ready to hit the road and explore places like Palm Cove, Port Douglas, or the Tablelands, check out 1300 Meteor Rentals. We’ve got the local know-how, great service, and a solid range of vehicles to get you there comfortably.